Firefighter-Paramedic Recruitment Roadmap

The following qualifications are required for Firefighter applicants: 

• 18 years of age or older
• Minimum Grade 12 education or equivalent
• Possession of a certificate in Public Fire Protection from a school accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and/or ProBoard. The specific Public Fire Protection courses include:
  • NFPA 1001 – Fire Fighting Practices Level I and II
  • NFPA 1002 – Apparatus Driver / Operator (Pumper)
  • NFPA 1041 – Fire Service Instructor Level 1
  • NFPA 472 or NFPA 1072 – Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations
  • NFPA 1031 (Level 1) or NFPA 1030 – Fire Inspector, preferred
• Listed as a Practicing Unrestricted Primary Care Paramedic at the 2011 National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP) level on the most current members rosters of the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics.
• Current International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Basic certificate.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent from other provinces.
• Current driver's abstract demonstrating a safe driving record.

Applications are only accepted for positions that are posted at saskatoon.ca/careers. Saskatoon Fire Department is expected to post future positions in Winter 2024. 

All applicants are required to complete and submit the following as part of their application package: 

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Copy of Fire College transcripts (Note: Copies of certificates are not required at the application stage. Applicants will be asked to provide copies of certificates upon an offer of employment).
• Saskatchewan Primary Care Paramedic License showing 2011 NOCP level of practice (must be listed as a practicing unrestricted PCP licensed in Saskatchewan).
• Current International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Basic certificate.
• Current Driver’s Abstract dated no more than 30 days prior to the closing date of the Firefighter posting. 

Provincial equivalents will be accepted. Out of province applicants who are offered a Firefighter Paramedic position must show proof of a Saskatchewan driver’s license on their first day of work. 

Applicants are reminded to ensure all items are included in their application package. Individuals who submit incomplete application packages will not be considered in the competition. 

Please note that costs associated with the recruitment and selection process are the responsibility of the applicant. This includes expenses such as: 

• Driver’s abstract
• Travel/accommodation to/from interviews
• Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search
• Medical examination 
• Fitness York Firefighter Fitness Assessment
  • Vision/hearing tests 
  • Medical Clearance to participate in the assessment

Only applicants considered for interviews are contacted. Applicants are advised that all interactions with the Saskatoon Fire Department during the process are considered when screening and assessing applicants.

Successful applicants that meet the qualifications and experience outlined in the job posting will be invited to participate in Step 2.

This step consists of two parts. The order that each part occurs will be scheduled based on operational requirements and interview schedules. There is no preferred order to complete each part, but both parts must be completed.

Part A – Entry-level Firefighter Test

Selected applicants will complete an entry-level firefighter (written) test in a proctored classroom environment. The test is a comprehensive assessment of job-related performance predictors. The measures produce a score for test takers that is highly predictive of their job success in a firefighter position.

Additional information will be provided to applicants that are invited to participate in this Step.

Part B – Screening Interview

Selected applicants will participate in a brief introduction interview to review their qualifications and experience with representatives from Human Resources and the Saskatoon Fire Department.

Applicants selected to advance from Step 2 will be invited to participate in the Applicant Fitness Assessment. The Saskatoon Fire Department uses the Fitness York Fire Fighter Applicant Fitness Assessment Protocol to assess candidates. The fitness assessments are administered by Human Performance Center (HPC) staff at the University of Saskatchewan. Applicants are required to complete a series of tests including aerobic fitness, vision, colour blindness (Ishihara and Farnsworth testing conducted), hearing, lung function, and eight validated job-related performance tests.

The eight job-related performance tests are designed to simulate the physical demands of a firefighter's job which requires muscular strength, coordination and endurance. To prepare for these tests, you may wish to participate in supervised weight training, stretching and an aerobic exercise program to increase strength, improve flexibility and enhance aerobic fitness and capacity. The performance tests are:

1. Ladder Climb (Acrophobia)
2. Search Enclosed Area (Claustrophobia)
3. Hose/Climb Carry
4. Rope Pull
5. Hose Advance/Drag
6. Ladder Lift
7. Victim Drag
8. Forced Entry

Please visit the University of Saskatchewan website for more information.

Applicants who apply as part of the 2024 Firefighter Paramedic recruitment cycle will receive instructions for how to register for this assessment within the recruitment process. 

Applicants successfully advancing from Step 3 will then be assessed for optimal readiness with the organization.

Panel Interview and Reference Checks

Applicants will be invited to participate in a panel interview conducted by representatives from the Saskatoon Fire Department and Human Resources.

Reference checks will also be completed at this time.

Applicants successfully advancing from Step 4 will receive a verbal conditional offer of employment. The offer is conditional upon satisfactory completion of the following items: 

• Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search
• Medical Examination

Upon satisfactory completion of the items in Step 5, Human Resources will remove the conditions from the offer of employment and a formal written offer will be extended to successful applicants.